In a striking response to recent changes made by the National Parks Service (NPS), Boulder artist Jenny McCarty has launched a project that combines art and activism. Within a week of her initiative’s launch, orders for her custom stickers, designed to cover President Donald Trump‘s face on the 2026 America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, have surged, reflecting widespread public discontent.
McCarty, a water-resource manager and nature painter, voiced her concerns regarding the new design, which removes the public’s opportunity to vote on the photographs featured on the passes. “These stickers are a way to celebrate our democracy and the ability for people to choose,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in preserving natural spaces.
The new parks pass design features politically charged imagery, placing Trump’s likeness alongside historical figures like George Washington. This has sparked controversy not only for its political implications but also due to broader cuts and threats to America’s national parks and monuments. Recently, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior, arguing that the design violates regulations meant to prioritize nature over political figures.
McCarty’s stickers, available for $6 each through her website, depict her vibrant watercolor artwork, including a brown bear against lush greenery and a wolf howling against the majestic Grand Tetons. Since the launch on December 10, 2023, she has received over 1,000 orders, with all proceeds going to the National Park Foundation.
This project has resonated with many who feel a sense of urgency regarding federal policies affecting public lands. McCarty shared, “I’ve heard from dozens of people that my project has given them a channel for peaceful protest.” Her personal connection to national parks, stemming from childhood visits with her father, reinforces her commitment to these natural spaces.
As demand for her stickers continues to grow, McCarty has received offers of assistance from various supporters, including a California sticker manufacturer and former park ranger who offered to help with printing. Despite the overwhelming response, she remains focused on her mission and has recently introduced new sticker versions for Senior and Military passholders, ensuring accessibility for all.
“I’m just one person in this, and it couldn’t have happened without many people,” McCarty said. Her project exemplifies how art can serve as a form of civil disobedience and a platform for community expression. Environmental groups have raised significant concerns over the administration’s push to open national parks to resource extraction and development, as well as budget cuts impacting park operations.
In June, a nonpartisan U.S. Senate rulekeeper blocked attempts to sell more than 14 million acres of public land in Colorado, a move that highlighted ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and governmental policies. McCarty’s initiative stands as a testament to the power of individual activism in the face of such challenges.
As she continues to navigate the influx of messages and orders, McCarty remains grateful for the support and engagement from her community. “The National Parks are our lands and every single one of us owns them,” she emphasized, highlighting the shared responsibility of preserving these vital resources. Through her art, she not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also empowers others to voice their concerns and advocate for the preservation of America’s treasured landscapes.